What does an ear look like when infested with ear mites? - briefly
An ear infested with ear mites usually shows redness and inflammation, accompanied by a dark, waxy discharge that often contains tiny white specks resembling rice grains. The canal may be swollen and emit a strong, unpleasant odor.
What does an ear look like when infested with ear mites? - in detail
An ear infested with ear mites displays a distinct set of visual changes. The outer ear and ear canal become reddened and swollen, often with a noticeable increase in temperature. A thick, dark-colored discharge accumulates, ranging from brown to black and resembling coffee grounds. This debris is primarily composed of excess wax, dead skin cells, and the mites themselves.
Key observable features include:
- Cerumen alteration: normal light‑brown wax turns greasy, clumped, and darkened.
- Crust formation: scabs develop along the ear flap and within the canal, sometimes flaking off.
- Hair loss: hairs lining the ear canal may appear sparse or missing due to irritation.
- Mite visibility: tiny, translucent specks move sluggishly in the wax, often seen as white or pale dots.
- Inflammation: the ear edge may be thickened, with the skin appearing stretched and glossy.
- Secondary infection signs: pus, foul odor, or ulcerated patches indicate bacterial overgrowth triggered by the mite infestation.
The combination of intense discoloration, excessive wax, crust, and visible parasites creates a characteristic appearance that differentiates mite infestation from other ear disorders. Prompt identification of these signs guides effective treatment.